Pre-Race Report Peaks of the Balkans

The second edition of GlobalLimits Peaks of the Balkans – Albania/Kosovo/Montenegro is officially underway!

Six days. Three countries. 200 km on foot.

Runners from 15 countries are preparing to take on one of the most spectacular and demanding multi-stage races in the Balkans.

Their shared mission? To conquer the remote Peaks of the Balkans on foot, traversing rugged mountain trails and untouched landscapes. Together, they’ll face an epic adventure and physical challenge, with a staggering ±12,400 m (40,682 ft) of ascent and descent awaiting them.

WILL THE QUEEN RETURN?

We’re honored to welcome back Filipa Castela from Portugal, last year’s Queen of the Peaks of the Balkans, who completed the six stages in an impressive 29:30:23. Filipa is also a four-time GlobalLimits race winner, and this year, she’s bringing her friend Estela São Martinho along for the adventure. Estela — whose name means “Star” — is indeed a star of the international mountain-running scene.

Will these two friends crossing the finish line hand-in-hand, or racing head-to-head?

Joining them is Isabelle Dufour from La Réunion Island, who claimed second place at GlobalLimits Bhutan in 2015. With her experience and strength, she is certainly a serious contender for the podium. 

And there are two more familiar faces to look out for: mountain-running expert Peter Osterwalder from Switzerland and Michael Traub from the USA are both back for another GlobalLimits adventure.

But have we spotted all the serious podium contenders?

As we always say in our opening report: we never know!

While many of our runners are already familiar faces (in fact, nine are GlobalLimits Heritage Site Runner Series Award winners), there’s always a chance a new trail running gem will emerge, drawn by the authentic and friendly race atmosphere, cultural curiosity, and the promise of a spectacular finish line.